Tuesday Tip Jar: It's a Wrap

When selling your handmade products online, take the time to ensure they are packaged nicely, and shipped with care. Great customer service like this gives your buyers another reason to shop with you again. Whether it's the least expensive item in your shop or your priciest piece, small details can make a big difference and set you apart from your competition. Let your customers know that you take great pride in your work, and in turn they will have confidence that you are a professional business owner.

You don't have to go to great expense, you just have to be creative. Make your own packaging by hand and save money, and add to the handmade feel of your product. Recycled paper of all sorts, and clean like-new used boxes can be painted and stamped, just as an example. Let your customers know if you use recycled packaging, most will appreciate that too.

Another option is to buy new packaging materials at dollar and discount stores and from craft store clearance bins. I recently picked up some cute Chinese take-out boxes at my local Michael's store.

Make it personal and connect with your customer. Include a small note of thanks, perhaps a business card and maybe a coupon for a discount on a future purchase. Ideally, your customers will come back time and time again, knowing to expect the very best.

Do You Have What it Takes?

WARNING! Selling online is not for the light of heart!

I've learned so much from other artists much like myself, and am so thankful for their generosity of shared knowledge. Having knowledge allows us to move forward with great speed.

Launching BeadCrazed on Etsy in March 2009 and my second shop on ArtFire more recently, I've journeyed into the world of online selling and marketing. I've discovered that possessing the skill and artistry necessary to create your craft is only the beginning!

1. First and foremost, you are an Artist. Love what you do, and do it for that reason. If you decide to take the next step and sell online, be sure what you're selling is something people will buy. If it is, you're on your way!
2. You are a Photographer. Can't touch it, feel it, smell it. Share your love of what you do with eye-catching, well edited photos.
3. You are a Creative Writer. Clear, concise, and accurate descriptions are required.
4. You are a Marketer. How else do you spread the word, and share what you do!
5. You are a Public Relations expert. Communicate with your customers and potential buyers in a friendly, efficient manner.

and

6. Hopefully, you'll spend a lot of time in the mail room. Presentation is important, and packaging and addressing for safe arrival is necessary.

You'll find me on Facebook, here on Blogger and on Twitter . Networking with other sellers, reaching out to potential new customers and sharing my love of what I do and all things handmade.

Look for my new Tuesday blog feature "Tuesday's Tip" where I'll share what I learn along the way. Let's not re-invent the wheel!